Bekah Brown, a Commerce City teenager who plays Cruella De Vil in Prairie Playhouse's upcoming
101 Dalmations performance, tells readers about her role in this take on Disney's classic tale for all ages performed by a 55-member castof kids.
Q: Tell us about your role in 101 Dalmatians?
A: I have the privilege of playing Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians. She is a crazy lady who wants her newest fur to be made of Dalmatian fur.
Q: How old are you (in real life), and how long have you been performing?
A: I am 14 years old and have been performing on stage since I was 12 - my mom would say I have been "performing" all my life. I have performed most recently in "School House Rock" and "Bye Bye Birdie."
Q: What's it like to play a villain?
A: It is difficult, because I am not naturally mean.But it is fun to play a character that you are not like because you can really get into that role. I wanted to play her because I thought it would give me diverse experience.
Q: What will audiences like most about this show?
A: It is a quirky version of the classic movie all audiences love.
Q: What is your favorite scene?
A: My favorite part is where I, as Cruella, scheme with Horace and Jasper about how we will catch the Dalmatian puppies.
Q: What is it like working with so many little puppies...er...actors?
A: It is fun to see such young actors running around, having fun and learning about what it takes to put on a great show.
Q: Do you have advice for other kids who want to be on stage someday?
A: I would tell them that they need to learn discipline, but realize that having fun and being comfortable with themselves is the key to acting.
Q: In your next performance - would you rather be the villain or the hero?
A:Any role that I am performing is what I want to be - villain or hero. I would have fun playing either, as long as I am performing, that is what is important.
The one-act show runs Nov. 13-21 at Prairie View High School Auditorium.
Visit
www.prairieplayhouse.com for tickets and more information.